Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: NIST’s RoleThe Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (P.L. 109-295) directed the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to review the card architecture of the Passport Card, proposed by the Department of State as an alternative to the traditional passport book under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. According to the Department of State, "The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers." For more on WHTI, see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html#1 and http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/whtibasics.shtm. Section 546 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act required NIST to certify that "the Departments of Homeland Security and State have selected a card architecture that meets or exceeds International Organization for Standardization (ISO) security standards and meets or exceeds best available practices for protection of personal identification documents." NIST subsequently reviewed the draft Passport Card Request for Proposal (RFP) developed by the Department of State. The Departments of State and Homeland Security made a variety of changes based upon NIST's recommendations during the review process. These changes have improved the security of the card architecture and the card's operation. NIST determined, and on May 1, 2007, NIST Director William Jeffrey certified, that the proposed card architecture -- as described in the draft, revised RFP -- meets or exceeds the relevant standards and best practices as specified in the statute. NIST went beyond the certification requirements and also suggested improvements for the Passport Card that the Departments of State and Homeland Security have included in the revised, draft RFP, or are considering for the program. This has been a cooperative effort resulting in a more rigorous approach for the Passport Card. Media queries about the WHTI Passport Card and its development should be directed to: Department of State, Steve Royster, 202/647-2114 Media queries about the choice of the WHTI Passport Card and its use at the borders should be directed to: Department of Homeland Security, Public Affairs, 202/282-8010 Media queries about NIST's certification of the card architecture should be directed to: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Mat Heyman, 301/975-2300 Created: May 4, 2007 |